2012 NHL Draft Prospect Profile: Ryan Murray

The Pittsburgh Penguins and CONSOL Energy Center will be hosting the 2012 NHL Draft on June 22nd and 23rd. In the days leading up to the event, pittsburghpenguins.com will be putting the spotlight on some of the best and brightest draft-eligible prospects.

NHL Comparison - Scott NiedermayerNHL Projection: “May have great value as a smooth-skating shutdown defender who moves the puck and will be a team captain.” –Red Line Report

ANALYSIS

Defenseman Ryan Murray has displayed exceptional leadership qualities throughout his life, as he’s captained each team he’s played on since the age of 10 (the lone exceptions being the 2012 Team Canada World Junior Championship and World Championship teams). Murray became the youngest captain in Everett Silvertips franchise history when he was awarded the role at age 17. After a strong performance in the Western Hockey League playoffs this past season, the Saskatchewan native was summoned to play for Team Canada at the 2012 World Championship – making him the youngest player since Paul Kariya to join the senior team. Considered by many scouts as one of the safest picks in the draft, the sound two-way defenseman led all Silvertips blueliners in scoring over the past two seasons, posting 46 points (6G-40A) in 2010-11 and 31 points (9G-20A) during an injury plagued 2011-12 campaign that limited him to 46 games.

“Better known for his steady two-way play, Murray’s hockey sense shines through on every shift as he is capable of handling up to three assignments at a time. His effortless skating ability, glossy pivots and breathtaking 360 degree turning radius allows him to play his man closely in one-on-one situations. Character, skill, maturity and exceptional hockey sense make Murray a very safe pick to step into the NHL immediately and have a lengthy pro career.”
–McKeen’s Hockey

He skated for the first time at age two when his father took him public skating. He played his minor hockey with Balgonie Prairie Storm and comes from a family of seven -- he has three brothers, Nathan, Troy and Travis, and one sister, Melissa. All four of his siblings play hockey.

The number 27 is his favorite because it is the same number his older brother wore and the date of his birthday.